Storage system

ABSTRACT

A storage apparatus includes a reconfigurable mounting assembly adapted to couple to a ceiling. The mounting assembly includes an activatable drive system and a plurality of flexible members. The storage system includes a platform assembly that has a platform base and at least one post extending upwardly from the platform base. The activatable drive system is capable of moving the platform assembly between a raised position to fixedly couple the at least one post to the mounting assembly and a lowered position to suspend the platform assembly under the mounting assembly by the plurality of flexible members. The storage system can be installed by coupling the mounting assembly to the at least one joist. The platform assembly is connected to the mounting assembly via the plurality of flexible members.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/003,179 filed Nov. 14, 2007 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/043,364 filed Apr. 8, 2008. These two provisional applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Conventional stationary overhead storage racks are often installed in garages, such as residential garages. Overhead storage racks are used to store items above a floor to increase usable floor space. It may be difficult to load and/or unload these overhead storage racks, especially if the items to be stored are bulky or heavy. A user may have difficulty lifting these types of items onto the storage racks. Additionally, it may be difficult to access items at the back of the rack without unloading many other items.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to storage systems and, more particularly, to ceiling mounted storage systems used in commercial or residential settings.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a storage apparatus includes a mounting assembly and a platform assembly. The mounting assembly includes a plurality of brackets, an activatable drive mechanism having a rotatable shaft with a plurality of spools, and a plurality of flexible members connected to corresponding spools of the activatable drive system. The platform assembly includes a platform base for supporting items and a plurality of elongate members extending generally perpendicularly from the platform base. The plurality of elongate members are supported by rollers connected to the brackets such that the platform assembly is movable between a raised position to lock the platform assembly to the mounting assembly and a lowered position to suspend the platform assembly under the mounting assembly by the plurality of elongate members. The platform base is substantially level or in a desired orientation as the platform is moved between the raised position and the lowered position.

In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes coupling a mounting assembly to a ceiling of a garage or other structure. For example, the mounting assembly can be coupled to joists in the ceiling. The platform assembly is connected to the mounting assembly via one or more flexible members. The platform assembly is moved between an elevated position to fixedly couple the platform assembly to the mounting assembly and a lower position to suspend the platform assembly under the mounting assembly by the one or more flexible members. In some embodiments, the platform is reoriented using a positioning mechanism, such as a leveling mechanism, before, during, or after connecting the platform assembly to the mounting assembly. Items can be loaded onto a planar deck of the platform assembly when the platform assembly is in the lowered position. The platform assembly can then be raised from the lowered position to the elevated position to store the items.

At least some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to storage systems that have a platform assembly that moves vertically between a lowered position for loading/unloading and a raised position for long term storage. A drive system integrated into the storage system can have a motor for conveniently raising and lowering the platform assembly via a plurality of flexible members, such as cables or straps. Items, such as storage boxes, can be placed onto a base of the platform assembly while the platform assembly is in the lowered position. After the base is loaded, the platform assembly is raised vertically until it is received by a stationary mounting assembly of the storage system. The base can remain generally level throughout this process to reduce, limit, or substantially prevent unwanted movement (e.g., shifting, sliding, etc.) of items carried by the base.

In some embodiments, a storage system includes a reconfigurable mounting assembly and a movable platform assembly. The mounting assembly is adapted to couple to a ceiling and includes an activatable drive system, a plurality of flexible members, and at least one elongate stabilizer fixedly coupled to the mounting assembly. The platform assembly is suspended under the mounting assembly by the flexible members extending between the drive system and the platform assembly. The platform assembly is movable relative to the mounting assembly between a raised position and a lowered position by the drive system. The platform assembly includes a base and at least one post extending upwardly from the base. The post is positioned to mate with the elongate stabilizer when the platform assembly is in the raised position.

In some embodiments, the post is sufficiently long such that an upper end of the post is adjacent to the ceiling to which the mounting assembly is coupled. The upper end of the post can be spaced apart from and generally below the elongate stabilizer when the platform assembly is in the lowered position. The post can have an adjustable length or a fixed length. The activatable drive system, in some embodiments, includes a motor that is capable of vertically moving the platform assembly. The motor can quickly raise and lower the empty or loaded platform assembly. For example, the empty platform assembly can be lowered to its lowered position for loading. Once loaded, the platform assembly can be raised to its raised position. The platform assembly can then be lowered to retrieve the stored items. The empty or partially loaded platform assembly can then be again elevated to its raised position.

The motor can be selected to move a platform assembly supporting a significant amount of weight. For example, the motor can be capable of raising and lowering the platform assembly when the base supports at least 100 lbs or 200 lbs. In some embodiments, the motor moves the loaded platform assembly from the fully lowered position to the raised position in less than 2 minutes, 1 minute, or 30 seconds, or ranges encompassing such lengths of time. The motor can be an electric motor controlled by a user. The motor can be turned off to hold the platform assembly in the raised position. In some embodiments, the motor that keeps the platform assembly in the raised position when in an OFF state and that moves the platform assembly when in an ON state

In some embodiments, the storage system includes four stabilizers and four posts positioned with respect to the four stabilizers such that the stabilizers slide into corresponding posts. The posts can have passageways for receiving the elongate stabilizers.

In some embodiments, a storage apparatus comprises a mounting assembly, a platform assembly, and a leveling mechanism. The mounting assembly includes a plurality of brackets, an activatable drive mechanism having a rotatable shaft with a plurality of spools, and a plurality of flexible members connected to corresponding spools of the activatable drive system. The platform assembly includes a platform base for supporting items. The plurality of elongate members extend generally perpendicularly from the platform base and are supported by rollers connected to the brackets such that the platform assembly is movable between a raised position to lock the platform assembly to the mounting assembly and a lowered position to suspend the platform assembly under the mounting assembly by the plurality of elongate members. The platform base is substantially level as the platform assembly is moved between the raised position and the lowered position. The leveling mechanism is operable to adjust the orientation of the suspended platform base with respect to the mounting assembly.

In some embodiments, a method comprises coupling a mounting assembly to a ceiling of a garage, connecting a platform assembly to the mounting assembly via a plurality of flexible members, and moving the platform assembly between an elevated position to fix the platform assembly to the mounting assembly and a lowered position to suspend the platform assembly under the mounting assembly by the plurality of flexible members. A storage space is formed between the raised platform assembly and the ceiling.

The platform assembly is leveled using a leveling mechanism after connecting the platform assembly to the mounting assembly. A plurality of leveling mechanisms can be used to adjust the positions of various portions, such as the corners, of the platform assembly. In some embodiments, the leveling mechanisms are used to controllably raise and lower portions of the platform assembly with or without the platform assembly being loaded with items.

Items are loaded on a planar deck of the platform assembly when the platform assembly is in the lowered position. The platform assembly carrying the items is raised to the elevated position to store the items for a desired length of time. The platform assembly can be lowered at a later point in time to access or unload the stored items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a storage system having a movable platform assembly for holding items, in accordance with one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the storage system of FIG. 1, wherein the platform assembly is in a raised position.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the storage system of FIG. 1, wherein the platform assembly is in a lowered position.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the storage system of FIG. 1 coupled to a ceiling, in accordance with one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a top elevation view of the storage system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the storage system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a storage system having a movable platform assembly, in accordance with one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the storage system of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a latching mechanism for a storage system, in accordance with one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a furled platform base, in accordance with one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the platform base of FIG. 10 ready to support items.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a storage system having a movable platform assembly for holding items, in accordance with one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of the storage system of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a detailed front elevational view of the storage system of FIG. 12 along 14-14.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a storage system, in accordance with one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the storage system of FIG. 15, in accordance with one illustrated embodiment.

FIGS. 17A-I show one method of operating a locking mechanism.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a locking mechanism, in accordance with one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a pictorial view of a storage system, in accordance with one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of the storage system of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a pictorial view of a portion of the storage system of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of a portion of the storage system of FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a pictorial view of a portion of a storage system that includes a leveling mechanism. Some components are shown removed.

FIG. 24 is a detailed view of the leveling mechanism of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a pictorial view of a post of a storage system, in accordance with one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a pictorial view of a level mechanism within the post of FIG. 25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present detailed description is generally directed to storage systems having a loading/unloading configuration and a storing configuration. Many specific details of certain example embodiments are set forth in the following description and in FIGS. 1-26 to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments. One skilled in the art, however, will understand that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the details described in the following description. Additionally, the storage systems are discussed in the context of installation in garages because they have particular utility in this context. For example, the storage systems are particularly well suited for use in storing items above a vehicle parked in a garage. However, the storage systems can be used in other contexts (for example, installation in warehouses) and may be used to move, reposition, or otherwise transport items.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is as “including, but not limited to.”

As used in this specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a storage system that includes “a motor” includes a storage system that has a single motor or a storage system that has a plurality of motors, or both. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

FIG. 1 shows a storage system 100 that includes a mounting assembly 110 for coupling to a generally horizontally oriented structure (not shown) and a vertically movable platform assembly 120. A drive system 130 is fixedly coupled to the mounting assembly 110 and is operable to vertically move the platform assembly 120 with respect to the mounting assembly 110. The illustrated drive system 130 lowers the platform assembly 120 for loading items onto or unloading items from a platform base 126 suspended under the mounting assembly 110. The drive system 130 raises the platform assembly 120 for storing items carried by the platform base 126.

The storage system 100 is coupleable to various types of structures found in a wide range of settings, including, without limitation, commercial settings and residential settings. The storage system 100 can be coupled to ceilings, walls, rafters, beams, studs, joists, and the like. Commercial settings include, without limitation, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, machine shops, restaurants, retailers, and the like. Exemplary residential settings include, without limitation, dwellings (e.g., houses), apartments, carports, storage facilities (e.g., storage sheds such as outdoor storage sheds), and barns, as well as other structures associated with residential structures. To keep the platform assembly 120 properly positioned below the mounting assembly 110, the storage system 100 can be coupled to horizontally oriented structures such that a platform base 126 for supporting stored items is likewise generally horizontal. If the storage system 100 is coupled to sloped surfaces, positioning mechanisms can be used to level the platform base 126, as discussed in connection with FIGS. 23-26.

The mounting assembly 110 of FIG. 1 can be coupled to a wide range of structures, including joists that are parallel, perpendicular, or at any other orientation with respect to components of the mounting assembly 110. The mounting assembly 110 includes a first pair of mated brackets 140 a, 140 b and a second pair of mated brackets 140 c, 140 d. The illustrated brackets 140 a, 140 b are spaced apart from and generally parallel to the brackets 140 c, 140 d. The brackets 140 a, 140 b, 140 c, 140 d (collectively 140) can be generally similar to each other and, accordingly, the following description of one of the brackets applies equally to the others, unless indicated otherwise.

The mounting assembly 110 is reconfigurable for coupling to different types of structures. The mounting assembly 110 has the illustrated configuration for coupling to one type of structure and second configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 7) for coupling to another type of structure. This provides flexibility in determining an appropriate position for installation because the mounting assembly 110 is reconfigurable to couple to, for example, two joists that are substantially perpendicular or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 128 (shown in FIG. 1) of the storage system 100 or three or more joists that are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 128. For example, the storage system 100 of FIG. 1 can be mounted to and span between three joists that are generally perpendicular to the mounting assembly 110. A storage system 300 of FIG. 7 can be mounted to two joists that are generally perpendicular to brackets 340 a-c.

Referring again to FIG. 1, each bracket 140 has two arrays of apertures 142 extending along its longitudinal length. Fasteners can be inserted and passed through the apertures 142 to install the respective brackets 140. As used herein, the term “fastener” is broadly construed to include, without limitation, a fastener assembly (e.g., a nut and bolt assembly, cotter pin and bolt, or the like), screw, nail, rivet, or other type of fastener known in the art. The number, types, configurations, and sizes of the fasteners may be selected based the desired weight capacity of the storage system 100, installation location, or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the platform assembly 120 is vertically movable between a raised position (FIG. 2) and a lowered position (FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the distance of travel DT is equal to or greater than the distance between the platform assembly 120 and a support surface on which the user stands. The platform assembly 120 can thus be lowered so as to rest on the support surface (e.g., a garage floor) before, during, and/or after loading/unloading, if needed or desired. For example, after loading the lowered platform assembly 120 resting on the floor, the loaded platform assembly 120 is moved upwardly and received by the stationary mounting assembly 110, thereby locking the platform assembly 120 to the mounting assembly 110. The raised platform assembly 120 can provide a desired amount of clearance under the storage system 100.

FIG. 1 illustrates the platform base 126 that includes a generally rigid outer frame 196 and a plurality of panels 197 a 197 b, 197 c (collectively 197) illustrated as wire panels, each extending between opposing sides of the frame 196. As used herein, the term “platform base” is broadly construed to include, but is not limited to, a structure that has one or more surfaces (e.g., a generally horizontal surface) that can be raised above or below the level of a surrounding surface. The platform base can also be dimensioned to provide a desired loading capacity. For example, the platform base 126 can have a storage area defined by the panels 197 equal to or greater than about 10 ft², 20 ft², and 30 ft², as well as ranges encompassing such storage areas.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the drive system 130 includes a motor 160 that rotates a drive shaft 170 fixedly coupled to a plurality of spools 180. In some embodiments, the spools 180 are integrated with the shaft 170. Flexible members 212 (see FIG. 3) extend between the platform assembly 120 and corresponding spools 180. The motor 160 can conveniently raise and lower the platform assembly 120 via flexible members 212. The motor 160 can be an electrical motor capable of raising and lowering the platform assembly 120 carrying at least about 50 lbs, 200 lbs, 300 lbs, 400 lbs, or 500 lbs. In some embodiments, the motor 160 is a ½ hp motor, 1 hp motor, 2 hp motor, or a 10 hp motor. Other weight capacities and types of motors are also possible.

The flexible members 212 can be straps that can be easily wound and unwound from the spools 180. Straps can be narrow strips of flexible material capable of withstanding significant tensile loads. In some embodiments, the flexible members 212 can be thin flat members made, in whole or in part, of metal (e.g., metal strands or wires), polymers (e.g., nylon), rubber, or the like. The width of the straps can be equal to or greater than about 2 times the thickness of the straps to minimize, limit, or substantially prevent unwanted twisting during winding and/or unwinding. Each spool 180 has a channel with a width that is slightly greater than the width of the respective strap. Each strap can therefore be uniformly wound about one of the spools 180. In other embodiments, the flexible members 212 are cables. The term “cable” is broadly construed to include, without limitation, a belt, wire, rope (including a rope made of strands of fiber or wire), or band of material suitable for withstanding significant tensile loads. The lengths of the cables and types of cables can be selected to achieve the desired distance of travel of the platform assembly.

A plurality of posts 192 a, 192 b, 192 c, 192 d (collectively 192) of the platform assembly 120 extend outwardly from the platform base 126. Each post 192 can be an adjustable post (e.g., a telescoping post) or a fixed length post. The illustrated posts 192 are adjustable and include pins 200 (FIG. 2) used to adjust the axial length of the posts 192. The axial lengths of the posts 192 can be increased or decreased to increase or decrease, respectively, a storage space 202 (FIG. 2) above the platform base 126. In some embodiments, the axial lengths of the posts 192 are generally equal to the height H of most of the storage space 202. The ratio of the axial length of at least one of the posts 192 to the height H of a substantial portion of the storage space 202 is greater than or equal to 0.5, 0.75, or 0.9, or ranges encompassing such ratios.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, upper ends 193 a, 193 b, 193 c, 193 d (collectively 193) of the respective posts 192 a, 192 b, 192 c, 192 d can be adjacent to the ceiling when the platform assembly 120 is raised. FIG. 4 shows the upper ends 193 adjacent to a ceiling 199 to which the bracket assembly 110 is coupled. In some embodiments, the ends 193 are separated from the ceiling by a distance DE (see FIG. 2) equal to or less than about 7 inches, 5 inches, or 3 inches, or ranges encompassing such lengths. Other distances are also possible, if needed or desired.

Referring to FIG. 3, alignment members 210 can be inserted into the upper ends 193 of corresponding posts 192 to inhibit, limit, or substantially prevent side-to-side movement of the raised platform assembly 120. The mounting assembly 110 and the platform assembly 120 can thus be effectively locked together to substantially prevent lateral movement of the platform assembly 120 relative to the stationary mounting assembly 110. Exemplary alignment members include, without limitation, elongate stabilizers (illustrated in FIG. 3 in the form of rods), elongated members, and the like, as well as alignment features that can extend over and around the ends 193 of the posts 192.

The upper ends 193 of the posts 192 can be spaced from and below the alignment members 210 when the platform assembly 120 is in the lowered position, as shown in FIG. 3. The distance D_(AP) between the alignment members 210 and the platform assembly 120 can be greater than about 2 ft, 4 ft, 8 ft, or 10 ft when the platform assembly 120 is in the fully lowered position.

Referring to FIG. 1, pulleys 250 a, 250 b, 250 c, 250 d (collectively 250) are coupled to the brackets 140 a, 140 b, 140 c, 140 d, respectively. The flexible members 212 extending between the platform assembly 120 and the spools 180 and extend over corresponding pulleys 250. Each pulley 250 can have a roller for supporting one of the members 212.

The storage system 100 can include one or more sensors to facilitate proper operation. Referring again to FIG. 1, for example, a sensor 261 communicates directly or indirectly with the drive system 130 and, in some embodiments, can detect and transmit (or send) one or more signals indicative of at least one operating condition, such as a pressure, relative position, and the like. For example, the sensor 261 can be a contact sensor, pressure sensor, or limit switch used to determine, for example, when the platform assembly 120 is properly positioned with respect to the mounting assembly 110. Any number of sensors can be positioned along the storage system 100 to ensure proper functioning of mechanical components.

FIG. 7 shows a storage system 300 including brackets 340 a, 340 b, 340 d (collectively 340) positioned for alignment with two or three spaced apart joists (not shown). Flexible members are shown removed. The brackets 340 are generally perpendicular to a midplane 342 (FIG. 8) of the storage system 300. Each bracket 340 can span between and be coupled to a pair of joists that are, substantially perpendicular to the midplane 342. Fasteners can be passed through the apertures of the brackets 340 to couple the brackets to joists similar to the brackets 140 discussed in connection with FIG. 1. Alternatively, the brackets 340 can be coupled to three substantially parallel joints. Each of the brackets 340 can be aligned with and coupled to a corresponding joint.

The brackets 340 a, 340 c of FIG. 7 are positioned at opposing ends of the storage system 300. A drive system 330 is coupled to and beneath the bracket 340 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 340 b and drive system 330 are positioned generally midway between the brackets 340 a, 340 c, although the bracket 340 b and drive system 330 can also be at other locations.

Locking mechanisms can be incorporated into the storage systems to limit or prevent unwanted lowering of the platform assembly. FIG. 9 shows one type of locking mechanism for reducing or limiting tensioning of the cable. The locking mechanism 400 includes a swing arm 402 movable between an inward position 410 (illustrated in solid line) and an outward position 412 (illustrated in phantom). The swing arm 402 holds the platform assembly 414 in the fully raised position. The illustrated swing arm 402 includes a holder 416 and a movable extender 417 used to adjust the height of the fully raised platform assembly. The illustrated swing arm 402 is adjacent to an alignment member 417 (e.g., a hollow tubular section) that receives an upper end 424 of a post 426. The upper end 424 includes a plurality of vertically spaced protrusions dimensioned and configured to mate with the swing arm 402. The locking mechanism 400 can be incorporated into the mounting assembly 110 of FIG. 1 and/or a mounting assembly 310 of FIG. 7. Other types of locking mechanisms can also be employed to achieve the desired interaction between the platform assemblies and the mounting assemblies, if needed or desired.

Various types of platform bases can be used alone or in combination with a frame, such as the frame 196 illustrated in FIG. 1, to define a generally rigid, continuous support structure. Platform bases can include, without limitation, one or more panels (e.g., solid panels, wire panels, and the like), frames, beams, elongated support members, ties, clips, and the like. Additionally, the platform bases can have a single configuration or a plurality of configurations.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10, for example, a platform base 500 has a rolled-up configuration. The platform base 500 can be unfurled to assume a second configuration, illustrated as a generally flat planar configuration in FIG. 11. The platform base 500 includes a plurality of sections (e.g., planks, boards, planar members, or the like) that may or may not be coupled together. In some embodiments, the platform base 500 of FIG. 11 can be a rigid panel made of a plurality of planks that are fixed to one another. Other types of one-piece or multi-piece decks can also be used.

FIG. 12 illustrates a storage system 600 including a platform base 610 having a plurality of spaced apart elongate support members 612 a-j (collectively 612). The illustrated support members 612 extend between opposing sides 616, 618 of a frame 620 (see FIG. 13). The illustrated corrugated support members 612 provide relatively high bonding strength to weight ratio. Each of the members 612 can be coupled to the frame 620 via couplers, welds, and the like.

The support members 612 can be generally similar to each other and, accordingly, the following description of one of the members applies equally to the others, unless indicated otherwise. The illustrated member 612 a of FIG. 14 has a somewhat M-shaped cross-sectional profile. In other embodiments, the members 612 can have other cross-sectional profiles based on the desired load capacity of the platform base 610.

FIG. 15 illustrates a storage system 700 having locking mechanisms 702 a, 702 b, 702 c, 702 d (collectively 702) for keeping a platform assembly 704 in a raised position. The locking mechanisms 702 can be generally similar to each other and, accordingly, the description of one locking mechanism applies equally to the others, unless indicated otherwise.

As shown in FIG. 15, the locking mechanism 702 b includes a swing arm 710 b, a stop 712 b, and a biasing mechanism 714 b for moving the swing arm 710 b. The locking mechanism 702 b can be vertically oriented. The swing arm 710 b operates to automatically latch the platform assembly 704 to a downwardly extending alignment member 720 b. The biasing mechanism 714 b and the stop 712 b engage corresponding receiving regions 722 b, 724 b of the alignment member 720 b to keep the platform assembly 704 properly locked to the alignment member 720 d. As detailed below in connection with FIGS. 16-17I, a user can move the locking mechanism 702 b to a locked configuration in order to hold the platform assembly 704 in the raised position.

FIG. 16 illustrates the locking mechanism 702 d when the platform assembly 704 is being raised vertically, indicated by the arrows 730. The swing arm 710 d can strike and slide along a holder 740 d of an alignment member 720 d. The upper end of the swing arm 710 d can slide along a path 731 d (indicated by the arrows in FIG. 17A) about the holder 740 d until an upper end of the swing arm 710 d is captured within a pocket 750 d of the holder 740 d. When the swing arm 710 d is retained in the pocket 750 d, the holder 710 d can hold the platform assembly 704 in the raised position. To lower the raised platform assembly 704, the platform assembly 704 can be raised vertically such that the swing arm 710 d is lifted out of the pocket 750 d. The upper end of the swing arm 710 d moves away from the pocket 750 d such that the upper end slides downwardly alongside the holder 710 d. Thus, the swing arm 710 d engages opposing sides of the holder 740 d when raised and lowered. This process is described in detail with respect to FIGS. 17A-I.

FIG. 17A shows the swing arm 710 d including a protruding guide 770 d (see FIG. 15) that can slide along both sides of the holder 740 d during the raising and lowering process. The illustrated guide 770 d can move upwardly towards a downwardly facing section 780 d of the holder 740 d. The guide 770 d can engage a striking section 782 d of the holder 740 d and slide upwardly along the section 780 d, as indicated by the arrow 784 d of FIG. 17B. The biasing mechanism can bias the guide 770 d against the section 780 d as the 710D rotates about the axis 800. The swing arm 710 d rotates about an axis 800, indicated by the arrow 802 d as the guide 770 d proceeds along the section 780 d until the guide 770 d reaches a vertical side 810 of the holder 740 d.

As shown in FIG. 17C, the guide 770 d then slides vertically along the side 810 d and around a corner 830 d, as indicated by the arrow 832 d. The biasing mechanism moves the guide 770 d above the pocket 750 d. The guide 770 d then slides downwardly into a pocket 750 d, as illustrated in FIG. 17D, as the platform assembly 704 is lowered. As such, the holder 740 d causes the swing arm 710 d to swing open and then swing into a locked position.

The holder 740 d of FIG. 17D retains and supports the swing arm 710 d and the platform 704. The pocket 750 d can be a recess or other structure suitable for receiving the guide 770 d. In some embodiments, the pocket 750 d and the guide 770 d can have a somewhat similar shape so as to minimize, limit, or substantially prevent relative movement between the guide 770 d and the pocket 750 d. To raise the platform assembly 704 from the raised position in which the swing arm 710 is positioned in the pocket 750 d (see FIG. 17D), the swing arm 710 d can be displaced vertically by raising the platform 704, as indicated by the arrow 850 d of FIG. 17E. As the guide 770 d is raised, it is biased against a side 852 d (FIG. 17D) of the pocket 750 d by the biasing member 714 d. As the guide 770 d passes over a tip 860 d of the holder 740 d, the guide 770 d slides along a side 862 sloping downwardly. The guide 770 d continues to move downwardly along the side 862 d, as indicated by the arrow 870 d, until the guide 770 d moves past a lower tip 880 d of the holder 740 d. As shown in FIGS. 17H and 17I, the swing arm 710 d swings back to its original position after passing below the lower tip 880 d of the holder 740 d. In this manner, the swing arm 710 d can lock the platform assembly 704 to the holder 740 d automatically when the platform assembly 704 is raised and lowered.

In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 17A-I, the storage assembly further includes a swing arm fence 900 (see FIG. 17A) that facilitates movement of the guide 770 d with respect to the holder 740 d. For example, when the guide 770 d is lifted upwardly out of the pocket 750 d, the guide 770 d can be positioned between the arm 900 and the holder 740 d to prevent unwanted movement of the swing arm 710 d away from the holder 740 d. Thus, the fence 900 keeps the guide 770 d proximate to the tip 860 d (see FIG. 17F) of the holder 740.

Various types of fences can be used to provide the desired path of travel of the guide 770 d. The fence 900 can be in the form of an outwardly extending strip (illustrated in FIG. 15), protruding member, or the like. With respect to FIG. 18, the guide 770 d can include a main body 920 d and an enlarged head 922. The enlarged head 922 d can be configured to be received within slots or grooves 923 d of the holder 740 d. The interaction between the enlarged head 922 d and the slots 923 d can help further reduce unwanted movement between the platform assembly 904 and the holder 740 d. For example, when the platform assembly 704 is in a raised position, the enlarged head 922 d can rest in the upper slot 923 d of the pocket 750 d. As the platform assembly 704 is raised, the enlarged head 922 d can slide easily out of the pocket 750 d along the slot 923 d and along the side of the fence 900.

FIG. 19 shows a storage system 1000 that includes alignment members 1010 a, 1010 b, 1010 c, 1010 d (collectively 1010) and flexible elongate members 1012 a, 1012 b, 1012 c, 1012 d (collectively 1012) in the form of straps passing through the respective alignment members 1010. See FIG. 20. The alignment members 1010 and the straps 1012 are received by posts 1020 a, 1020 b, 1020 c, 1020 d (collectively 1020). The illustrated straps 1012 extend downwardly through the alignment members 1010 and passageways in the posts 1020.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, the alignment member 1010 is configured to align the strap 1012 with the post 1020 beneath the member 1010. The strap 1012 extends around a spool or pulley 1050 and downwardly through the alignment member 1010 to the post 1020. The alignment member 1010 can include a housing 1034 and a cover 1030 movable between a closed position 1031 (shown in FIG. 22) and an open position 1032 (shown in phantom line in FIG. 22). The housing 1034 surrounds and protects the strap 1012 and is in the form of a generally U-shaped unitary member.

The cover 1030 can be moved to the open position 1032 to access the portion of the strap 1012 within the alignment member 1010, to thread the strap 1012 through the member 1020, or the like. The cover 130 extends across an opening of the housing 1034 when in the closed position. In some embodiments, the cover 1030 is rotatably coupled to the fixed bracket 1040 by a pin 1042. The cover 1030 can swing outwardly away from the main body 1034, as indicated by the arrow 1051 of FIG. 22. In other embodiments, the cover 1030 can be completely removed from the alignment member 1010 to access the strap or other internal components of the alignment member 1010.

In some embodiments, the alignment member 1010 has a one-piece construction. For example, the alignment member 1010 can be a unitary tubular member having a passageway sized to receive the elongate member 1012. Thus, the alignment member 1010 can have a one-piece construction or multi-piece construction.

The storage systems disclosed herein can include one or more positioning mechanisms, such as leveling mechanisms, to adjust the orientation of the platform assemblies. Leveling mechanisms can be used to keep the platform assemblies generally level to minimize, limit, or substantially prevent items on platforms from shifting, falling, or sliding as the platform assembly is lowered and raised. In some embodiments, the leveling mechanism can independently raise and lower corners of the platform assembly, even when the platform assembly is suspended under the mounting assembly. In some embodiments, the leveling mechanism can be used to incrementally adjust the position the platform assembly. The leveling mechanism(s), in some embodiments, can be proximate to the platform assemblies. In some embodiments, the leveling mechanism(s) are contained within the platform assemblies or integrated into the platform assemblies.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show a leveling mechanism 1100 that includes a retainer 1102 for coupling to an end of an elongate member 1110. The retainer 1102 can be in the form of a buckle, cam member, open-piece or multi-piece clamp, or the like. The elongate member 1110 extends about a pin 1112 to form a loop 1114.

The retainer 1102 of FIGS. 23 and 24 can be slid upwardly or downwardly as indicated by the arrows 1116, 1118. For example, to increase a length of a portion of the elongate member 1110 extending between the platform assembly and the mounting assembly, the retainer 1102 can be slid towards a base 1122 to shorten the loop 1114. To decrease the length of the portion of the elongate member 1110 extending between the platform assembly and the mounting assembly, the retainer 1102 can be slid away from the base 1122. In this manner, the retainer 1102 can be moved upwardly or downwardly to raise or lower, respectively, the corner of the base 1122 beneath the retainer 1102.

One or more of the leveling mechanisms can be operated to position the platform assembly during installation. If the base 1122 becomes incorrectly positioned (e.g., the base 1122 is at a significant angle of inclination), the user can use one or more of the retainers 1102 to reposition the platform assembly. A carpenter's leveler can be used to ensure that the platform assembly is within a desired angle of inclination, such that the base 1122 is generally level.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, a post 1224 surrounds a leveling mechanism 1225. The leveling mechanism 1225 generally includes a retainer 1202, a rod 1204, and a base 1210. A user can rotate an accessible head 1214 of the rod 1204 to move the retainer 1202 upwardly or downwardly along a passageway in the hollow post 1224. A flexible elongate member can be temporarily or permanently coupled to the retainer 1202 such that a corner of the platform assembly is raised or lowered by operation of the leveling mechanism 1200.

The rod 1204 can be a threaded rod with external threads that mate with internal threads of the retainer 1202. The rod 1204 is rotatable with respect to the base 1210, which can be fixedly coupled to a tubular outer body 1213 of the post 1224. The rod 1204 extends through the retainer 1202 and translates axially along the outer body 1213 as the rod 1204 is rotated. The illustrated retainer 1202 is in the form of a clamp that has a jaw capable of compressing the flexible member to fixedly couple the retainer 1202 to the flexible elongate member.

The storage systems can have a wide range of different types of controllers for operating the activatable drive systems or other components. Controllers can generally include, without limitation, one or more central processing units, processing devices, microprocessors, digital signal processors, central processing units, processing devices, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), readers, and the like. To store information (e.g., a drying program), the controller can also include, without limitation, one or more storage elements, such as volatile memory, non-volatile memory, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and the like. A controller can be programmed based on the desired speed for raising and/or lowering the platform assemblies, positioning of the platform assemblies, or the like. The controller can store one or more programs for controlling the operation of the activatable drive systems and can be connected to the activatable drive systems via a cord. In other embodiments, the controller can communicate wirelessly with the activatable drive system.

All patents and publications mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Except as described herein, the embodiments, features, systems, devices, materials, methods and techniques described herein may, in some embodiments, be similar to any one or more of the embodiments, features, systems, devices, materials, methods and techniques described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,435,105; 6,715,427; and 7,152,535. For example, the elongate members 612 of FIGS. 12-14 can be incorporated into the stationary suspended storage shelves of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,435,105; 6,715,427; and 7,152,535. In addition, the embodiments, features, systems, devices, materials, methods and techniques described herein may, in certain embodiments, be applied to or used in connection with any one or more of the embodiments, features, systems, devices, materials, methods and techniques disclosed in the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,435,105; 6,715,427; and 7,152,535.

A skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeability of various features from different embodiments disclosed herein. Components can be mixed and matched, or even omitted, to form the desired storage systems. Similarly, the various features and acts discussed above, as well as other known equivalents for each such feature or act, can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in this art to perform methods in accordance with principles described herein.

Although the invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, the invention is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments herein. 

1. A storage apparatus, comprising: a mounting assembly including a plurality of brackets, an activatable drive system having a rotatable shaft with a plurality of spools, and a plurality of flexible elongate members connected to corresponding spools of the activatable drive system; a platform assembly including a platform base for supporting items, the plurality of elongate members extending generally perpendicularly from the platform base and supported by rollers connected to the brackets such that the platform assembly is movable between a raised position to lock the platform assembly to the mounting assembly and a lowered position to suspend the platform assembly under the mounting assembly by the plurality of elongate members, the platform base being substantially level as the platform assembly is moved between the raised position and the lowered position; and a leveling mechanism operable to adjust the orientation of the platform base with respect to the mounting assembly while the platform assembly is suspended under the mounting assembly.
 2. The storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform base is a generally rectangular base having four corners, and each elongate member extends between one of the corners and the mounting assembly.
 3. The storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the leveling mechanism is carried within the platform assembly and coupled to at least one of the flexible elongate members.
 4. A storage system, comprising: a reconfigurable mounting assembly adapted to couple to at least one joist, the mounting assembly including an activatable drive system and a plurality of flexible members; and a platform assembly including a base and at least one post extending upwardly from the base, the plurality of flexible members extend between the drive system and the platform assembly such that the drive system is capable of moving the platform assembly between a raised position to disengage the at least one post from the mounting assembly and to engage the at least one post with the mounting assembly and a lowered position to suspend the platform assembly under the mounting assembly via the plurality of flexible members.
 5. The storage system of claim 4, wherein each of the flexible members is a strap wound about a shaft of the activatable drive system.
 6. The storage system of claim 4, further comprising a leveling mechanism operable to adjust an orientation of the base with respect to the mounting assembly while the platform assembly is suspended from the mounting assembly.
 7. The storage system of claim 4, further comprising means for leveling the platform assembly.
 8. The storage system of claim 4, wherein an upper end of the at least one post is spaced apart from and below at least one elongate stabilizer of the mounting assembly when the platform assembly is in the lowered position.
 9. The storage system of claim 4, wherein the at least one post has an adjustable longitudinal length.
 10. The storage system of claim 4, wherein the mounting assembly includes four stabilizers and the at least one post includes four posts positioned with respect to the four stabilizers such that the stabilizers slide into corresponding posts of the platform assembly.
 11. The storage system of claim 4, wherein the activatable drive system includes a motor that is capable moving the platform assembly between the raised position and the lowered position when the base supports at least 100 lbs.
 12. The storage system of claim 4, wherein the mounting assembly is fixedly coupled to a ceiling of a garage.
 13. The storage system of claim 4, wherein the base is a planar deck.
 14. The storage system of claim 4, wherein the activatable drive system includes a motor that keeps the platform assembly in the raised position when in an OFF state and that moves the platform assembly when in an ON state.
 15. A method comprising: coupling a mounting assembly to a ceiling of a garage; connecting a platform assembly to the mounting assembly via a plurality of flexible members; and moving the platform assembly between an elevated position to fix the platform assembly to the mounting assembly and a lowered position to suspend the platform assembly under the mounting assembly by the plurality of flexible members.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: leveling the platform assembly using a leveling mechanism after connecting the platform assembly to the mounting assembly.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein moving the platform assembly includes translating a planar deck of the platform assembly between the elevated position and the lowered position.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: loading items on a planar deck of the platform assembly when the platform assembly is in the lowered position; and raising the platform assembly carrying the items to the elevated position to store the items.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the flexible members are wound about respective spools of a drive system when the platform assembly is moved towards the elevated position. 